John 12:29
The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 15
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ὄχλος
The people
G3793
ὄχλος
The people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
3 of 15
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑστὼς
that stood by
G2476
ἑστὼς
that stood by
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
5 of 15
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔλεγον
it said
G3004
ἔλεγον
it said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γεγονέναι
that it thundered
G1096
γεγονέναι
that it thundered
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
10 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἔλεγον
it said
G3004
ἔλεγον
it said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἄγγελος
An angel
G32
Ἄγγελος
An angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
13 of 15
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
Historical Context
Thunder was sometimes interpreted as divine voice in ancient Judaism (Ps 29). The crowd's varied responses reflect different spiritual sensitivity levels, providing realistic historical detail validating the account.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the crowd's varied interpretation teach about spiritual perception's necessity for understanding divine revelation?
- How can we develop greater spiritual sensitivity to recognize God's voice?
- What divine communications might we be misinterpreting as 'thunder'—natural rather than supernatural?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The crowd hears the sound but interprets it diversely: some say thunder, others angels. This demonstrates spiritual perception's variation—identical phenomenon, different interpretations. Their natural explanations miss supernatural reality. This parallels Paul's Damascus road companions who heard sound but didn't understand (Acts 9:7). Spiritual truth requires spiritual discernment (1 Cor 2:14). The divergent interpretations show that divine revelation doesn't automatically produce understanding. Hearts must be prepared to receive God's word.